With the simple criteria that they be projects available for occupancy in 2013, nominations were solicited from architects, contractors, commercial real estate and other professionals from around the North Bay.

From their nominations, the 17 winners were selected by the Business Journal editorial staff for recognition.

This year’s list of honorees represents a who’s who of building projects in the North Bay from a broad array of sectors, including tens of millions invested by St. Joseph Health in projects in Santa Rosa and Napa, The Barlow project in Sebastopol, the Redwood Empire Food Bank, Wells Fargo Center for the Arts, Graton Resort & Casino, a senior center in Santa Rosa, two outstanding education projects and two wineries.

Together these projects represent the pioneering spirit of those willing to take risks and to invest in the future of the North Bay. And we think it’s absolutely critical that we tell our readership and the public about those organizations that are continuing to invest in our communities.

The 17 recipients in 2013 join a total of more than 90 exceptional projects the Business Journal has recognized over the eight years of this competition.

We congratulate them and hope you enjoy reading about them.---Brad Bollinger, Publisher